SASKATOON — Tourism Saskatchewan is optimistic for another strong summer season for the province, expecting another record for travel spending, buoyed by growing domestic travel trends and continued interest from out-of-province and international visitors.
Tourism Saskatchewan said operators and those involved in the hospitality industry are preparing for a busy summer season, as visitors are drawn to the province's outdoor recreational activities in its national, provincial and regional parks.
The Ness Creek Music Festival, Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Country Thunder, Long Day’s Night Music Festival and Windscape Kite Festival in Swift Current, Eastend’s Big Flat Folk Fest, Lakeside Music Festival in Waskesiu and the Gateway Festival’s 20th anniversary are among the summer events.
Tourism Saskatchewan said travel spending in the province reached $3 billion in 2024, the highest number ever recorded. Although Statistics Canada has yet to release 2025 numbers, data showed Saskatoon and Regina had a combined total of more than five million registered visits in 2024.
The 2024 data also showed that the highest number of visits in Saskatoon happens from spring to late summer, with a combined total of more than 1.5 million. The number was part of 2024’s total visitor spending of $802.8 million, a 9.4 per cent increase from the previous year.
Despite not keeping track of Airbnb data in the province, Tourism Saskatchewan said daily hotel occupancy rates set new historic highs in 2025, with occupancy averaging 62 per cent and revenue per available room reaching $95.14 for the year.
Tourism Saskatchewan said more Canadians are travelling locally, and a steady number of visitors from the U.S. are key drivers of the 2025 increase, while many parts of Canada declined. U.S. air arrivals in July and August increased by 21.6 per cent, while cross-border vehicle traffic increased by two per cent.
Saskatchewan’s Airbnb sector also benefited as Canadians chose to visit the province, with 2025 a record-breaking year that had a significant economic impact on the local economy. Domestic guest visits recorded more than 9.5 million arrivals, an increase of more than 50 per cent since 2019 and over the pandemic period.
Overall, travel in Saskatchewan generated $111 million in economic activity through Airbnb hosts and guests, supporting nearly 1,200 jobs and generating more than $30 million in tax revenue for the provincial government.
The provincial government has also proclaimed May 25 to May 29 as Tourism Week to acknowledge the industry’s contribution to the local economy and its role in job creation. It highlights the significance of the tourism industry, which accounts for 10 per cent of employment.
More than 61,000 Saskatchewan residents work during the tourism peak season, from early spring to late summer, employing people from diverse backgrounds and providing youth with seasonal and part-time employment.
"Tourism is a strong and growing industry in the province, and Saskatchewan Tourism Week will emphasize the benefits to our economy while highlighting our province's natural beauty and warm hospitality,” said Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Alana Ross.
Ross added that the government will offer free entry to more than a dozen provincial parks on Saturday, June 6, in celebration of National Trails Day, providing a great opportunity to explore trails across the province before the summer season begins.
"We are fortunate to be home to such beautiful and diverse provincial parks. With a wide range of trails and programs taking place across the province, we invite everyone to explore the natural beauty Saskatchewan has to offer,” said Ross, who is also the parks, culture and sport minister.
